The 5th Precinct and 311 hosted 10 visitors from Brazil who are in the United States to learn more about community policing initiatives. During the visitors’ Dec. 3 Minneapolis stop, the group met with 311 staff to gain a better understanding of 311’s role in public safety and 5th Precinct staff to learn about the roles of the community attorney and crime prevention specialist.

The visitors heard how 311 staff members prepare non-emergency police and suspicious activity reports, act as a physical back-up to 911, and help provide information and support during emergency and disaster recovery situations.

Following a tour of the 311 Call Center, the group then met with 5th Precinct staff to learn how the community attorney and crime prevention specialist interact with the Police Department and the community. Fifth Precinct staff explained how chronic offenders are tracked and how the City seeks community impact statements. Staff also shared information about the specialty treatment courts in Hennepin County, especially in the context of treatment for drug and alcohol issues, diversion programs for treatment, and resources for offender rehabilitation. The visitors also learned about education and crime prevention measures, such as the Police Athletic League and youth police academies. There was also a lot of discussion about the cooperation between the Police Department, City Attorney’s Office and community groups and the enormous benefit gained from building relationships with these community partners.

Minnesota is the first stop on the visitors’ two-week State Department-sponsored visit. After Minneapolis, the group traveled to Mankato. From Mankato, the group will travel to Reno, Nevada and Little Rock, Arkansas. In each city they will be meeting with area professionals to see how these cities’ community policing models and initiatives.

The tour participants — who hold jobs in Brazil’s government, criminal justice system and social service system — are part of the International Visitor Leadership Program. Emerging leaders from around the world are invited to the U.S. for short-term visits as guest of the State Department. They come on all subjects (government, education, arts, law, science, etc.) and visit a few cities throughout the U.S. for three to four days each to meet with their professional counterparts.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.